Skip to main content
Netherlands News in English

Main navigation

  • Top stories
  • Health
  • Crime
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Tech
  • Culture
  • Sports
  • Weird
  • 1-1-2
Image
Barack Obama
- Credit: Source: US Federal Government
Politics
Barack Obama
Bert Koenders
Erik Mouthaan
Guantanamo
King Willem-Alexander
ministry of foreign affairs
Queen Maxima
United States
Tuesday, 2 June 2015 - 08:17

Share this article:

Opens in a new window Opens in a new window Opens in a new window Opens in a new window Opens in a new window Opens in a new window

US presses Netherlands to take Guantanamo detainees

American President Barrack Obama has asked the Netherlands to take in prisoners from Guantanamo. He did so during his meeting with King Willem-Alexander, Queen Maxima and Minister Bert Koenders of Foreign Affairs in Washington D.C. on Monday. "Obama wants to get rid of the Guantanamo prison camp", correspondent Erik Mouthaan told RTL Nieuws. "One by one the prisoners are released, the only question is: where should they go? What country will take them in?" According to Mouthaan, the fact that the Netherlands has not taken in any prisoners, while several other Western European countries have, is becoming a point of friction in the relationship between the US and the Netherlands. But he also points out that the US Congress is also against taking in prisoners in America. Koenders told Obama that the Netherlands will think about the request. "He understands that we need more information on this and to look at issues such as human rights and security", Koenders said, according to RTL. According to the Minister, King Willem-Alexander did not take part in this part of the conversation.

More like this

Image
King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima during their summer photo shoot in the gardens of Huis ten Bosch palace, 30 June 2025
AI video of Dutch royals in the White House watched millions of times
Image
King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima during their summer photo shoot on Zuiderstrand in The Hague. June 2023
Video: Dutch royals dance with Curaçao World Cup squad after Ecuador draw
Image
Oranje fans in Elburg celebrate after their side defeated Sweden 5-1 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, June 20, 2026.
Royals congratulate Oranje as Netherlands strengthens World Cup position after 5-1 win
Image
Tom Berendsen
Dutch FM: Europe must quickly reduce reliance on U.S. military by 2030
Make NL Times your top Google source

Follow us:

Latest stories

  • What international businesses should know about sea freight
  • Dutch gardens average 10 butterflies each as long-term decline persists
  • Adults with migrant backgrounds wait months for swimming lessons as drownings rise
  • No more bags on seats on Dutch trains? NS wants bags on laps as the 'new normal'
  • Heat waves put Dutch psychiatric patients at greater risk, doctors warn

Top stories

  • Court: Dutch Cabinet was allowed to ban U.S. takeover of DigiD firm Solvinity
  • OLVG hospital in Amsterdam starts trial with late abortions
  • One killed in stabbing on Roermond street; Suspect arrested
  • Netherlands to start military exercises with Ukraine, help design new air defense system
  • Ter Apel asylum center area declared safety risk zone after recent stabbings, fights

© 2012-2026, NL Times, All rights reserved.

Footer menu

  • Change Privacy Settings
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
  • Partner Content